Prince’s Trust and Waterside men join forces

The ‘Get Started with Football’ programme was created by youth charity the Prince’s Trust as a way of introducing new skills and opportunities to those currently not in work or further education.

Drumahoe-based club Institute, acting as delivery partner, hosted the five-day course, which included an IFA Grassroots training session and a ‘Safeguarding Children’ seminar.

The IFA also delivered a ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ workshop, which aims to highlight the challenges faced by racism and sectarianism in the game.

Mary-Anne McNulty, the IFA’s Football for All Development Officer, said: “It was really encouraging to see these young adults become so engaged with the often complex issues surrounding racism in football.

“All the participants spoke with eloquence, insight and passion, and I have no doubt they came away from the whole week with a greater sense of confidence and awareness of their potential.”

Diana Deeney, the ‘Get Started with Football’ programme executive, said the event had drawn a very positive response from the participants, whose ages range from 16-25.

She said: “This is our third ‘Get Started’ programme with Institute FC. It engages young people through the ‘hook’ of football with the aim of developing their skills through practical activities, giving them confidence and motivation to move forwards into volunteering, education, training or employment after the programme.

“We are delighted to have had the opportunity to work with the IFA again and to have this workshop delivered to our young people.”

For more information on any of the above workshops or courses, e-mail diana.deeney @princes-trust.org.uk and [email protected].